Mammoth basil (Ocimum Basilicum Mammoth) is the largest variety of lettuce leaf basil with its 4 to 8 inch in length leaves that resemble lettuce and have jagged edges.
When mature, the plant will be about 14 to 18 inches tall with leaves as large as an adult hand. It will also produce a seed head but not as quickly as other types of basil such as sweet basil or other bush varieties.
When growing mammoth basil in the ground, ensure that plants are at least 14 to 18 inches apart. The plants take up a lot of space.
The large mammoth basil leaves are often used in pesto, used whole or in pieces in salads, or are great for wrapping fast cooking meats such as chicken and fish before cooking on the grill. The taste of the leaves are similar, though milder, than sweet basil.
Mammoth basil originates in Italy.